The author of the gospel of Mark depicts Jesus as a misunderstood messiah. Although he performs amazing and great miracles, the people of Jesus’ time, including his own 12 disciples, do not understand him. The author of Mark also notes that Jesus tells people not to speak of the miracles he performs, as to be secretive about his gift. We can see this in the passages given in the question. These miracles and how they are placed together further exemplifies the Markean author’s purpose in his depiction of Jesus; misunderstood by most, but continually preaching.

I personally believe that these early chapters would suffice for some ancient readers and not others. That’s why the gospels of Matthew, Luke and John are written, to convey Jesus in different light for different audiences. The chiastic structure of the passages would appeal to the ancient readers though; If they can recognize this, they can see how formally and precisely put together the gospel of Mark is; according to the authors own depiction, all becoming part of a bigger picture.

The Markean gospel’s theological message seems like one that focuses on each individual’s relationship with god. Meaning that no matter what Jesus said or did, no matter how miraculous, or prophetic, people still don’t understand him. Not even his own disciples, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables?” (Mk 4:13). Jesus is frustrated with this gap, also now how is the audience supposed to feel? Are they meant to understand and question Jesus’ authenticity? Or feel like they know better than the people of Jesus’ time? I believe that this quotation from Mark 4 explains the Markean author’s mission in Jesus’ depiction, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of god, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that ‘they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven”. To me this quotation marks the ancient audiences (and the people of Jesus’ time) struggle with complete and total faith. By my own means of interpretation, this quotation signifies that the kingdom of god is given to everyone the moment that they are born. We can make the decision to listen to the words of the messiah, which is the first step, but as stated here, not everyone can fully understand his words; even those closest to Jesus cannot understand him. They do not believe fully, they have doubted; one must have no doubt in their faith if they truly wish to be saved. In the gospel of Mark the only people who seem to understand Jesus fully are unnamed woman. This provides a great contrast to the named, male disciples who cannot understand Jesus.

The statement that the Markean author makes, I believe can be interpreted many ways, as stated above makes the most sense to me, and for some people might provoke a strong feeling of faith toward this misunderstood messiah. The ancient audience might have been confused slightly by the vague and almost un-confident words of Jesus, but the underlying message is strong.